Marking, squeegeeing, and developing machine



W. F. HUCK Sept. 3, 1940.

MARKING, SQUEEGEEING, AND DEVELOPING MACHINE Filed Oct. 5, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

ATT'Y.

Sept. 3, 1940. HUCK 2,213,443

MARKING, SQUEEGEEING, AND DEVELOPING MACHINE Filed Oct. 5, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Sept. 3, 1940. w. F. HUCK MARKING, SQUEEGEEING, AND DEVELOPING MACHINE Filed Oct. 5, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 lNVENTOR-.

W. F. HUCK Sept. 3, 1940.

MARKING, SQUEEGEEING, AND DEVELOPING MACHINE Filed Oct. 5, 1957 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

- A'r T'Y W. F. HUCK Sept. 3, 1940;

MARKING, SQUEEGEEING, AND DEVELOPING MACHINE Filed Oct. 5, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 %NVENTOR.

Atfv.

-5 mrw Patented Sept. 3, 1940 UNITED STATES MARKING, SQUEEGEEING, AND DEVEL- OPING MACHINE William F. Huck, Richmond Hill, N. Y., assignor to R. Hoe & 00., Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application October 5, 1937, Serial No. 167,452 v 16 Claims. (01. 101-33) This invention is directed to marking, squeegeeing and developing machines for photogravure or rotogravure printing, and, particularly, to improved mechanism for applying the register marks and securing the sensitized carbon tissue in accurate position upon the peripheral portion of the printing cylinder and for developing and etching the cylinder preparatory to printing.

In. multicolor photogravure printing, wherein a number of separate impressions are made in different colors, it is essential that accurate register be provided for. A separate cylinder is employed for each color, and the images or matter that are. etched on the several cylinders must be located very accurately in order to insure proper register in printing. In the preparation of the form cylinders for photogravure printing, the form for the images or printing matter is printed on a sheet of sensitized tissue from which the image or printed matter is subsequently transferred to the surface of the form cylinder and etched into the cylinder surface. Register marks are drawn on the tissue sheet in the margin space, and a marking mechanism is provided for marking circumferential and longitudinal lines on the peripheral surface of the cylinder, and when the register marks on the tissue sheets arev accurately alined with the marks on the cylinder surface, the tissue sheets are then correctly positioned to insure that the images or printing matter are transferred therefrom to the correct location on the printing cylinder surface to produce accurately registered printing.

After the edge of the sensitized carbon sheet or tissue has been alined with register marks on the printing cylinder, it is then necessary to secure the entire sheet in accurately registered position upon the cylinder, and to treat the carbon tissue so that it may be stripped from the cylinder leaving the image bearing film or emulsion adhering to the cylinder surface, preparatory to the usual developing and etching operations. Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide improved means for wetting the cylind'er-engaging face of the tissue preparatory to securing it in accurate register upon the printing surface of the cylinder and the removal of its flexible backing.

Another object of this invention is to provide means whereby the pressure or squeegee roller is so located with relation to the peripheral portion of the form cylinder, when operably engaging the tissue on the cylinder, as to provide a valley or trough to. retain fluid on the cylinder surface for. wetting the sensitized surface of the tissue to aid in the application ofthe tissue to the cylinderand in the ready removal of'theflexible backing of the carbon tissue,

A further object of this invention is the provision of improved means for readily; and rigidly securing the index or form cylinder drive wheel to the shaft ofthe form cylinder in accurate concentric relation to the cylinder and shaft axis.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a marking, squeegeeing and developin'g'ma- 11:0 chine in which a composite multi-receptacle developing and etching tray or fountainhousing is movably mounted for positional'reversal relative to the peripheral surface ofa'photogravure form cylinder which is rotatably mounted-in the mama chine frame.

Another object of this invention is; to provide a marking, squeegeeing and developing machine in which the squeegee or pressure roller iscounter balanced for movement to and from; operable :2 contact with a form cylinder rotatably-mounted. in the machine, and, also, the provision of means for operably disconnecting the counterbalance from the pressure or squeegee roller duringv a phase of its operable engagement withthe form 2 cylinder. v p y Another objectof this invention is to provide a marking, squeegeeing and. developing'machine which rotatably supports a form cylihdenand includes a cooperable counter balanced pressure 4 h orsqueegee roller arranged. to be moved 'to and from operable engagement, with the form cylinder through the instrumentality of foot operated components. V v I Another object of this invention is to provide 5 a marking, squeegeeing anddeveloping machine which is constructed and arranged. to rotatably support an intaglio or rotogravure form cylinder, and has a composite developing and etching fountainor tray suitably counter. balanced for jib manual movement to and from the form. cylinder.

Another object of this invention is to provide a marking, squeegeeing and developing machine which includes novel marking mechanism that is constructedand arranged, for cooperable en- 4 'gagement with the peripheral portion of aform cylinder rotatably supported in the. machine frame, in a manner to obviate chattering or vibratory movement of the marking -tool' during its marking operation either circuinfere'ntially' 'or 51) longitudinally along the peripheral'surface of; the form cylinder. 7

Another object of this invention is to provide a marking, squeegeeing and developing machine which intaglio or photogra-vure fOrm'cyl- 5};

inder is mounted for rotary movement in spaced yokes, and each yoke having a movable hinged component constructed and arranged for quick and convenient locking and release.

Another object of this invention is to provide a marking squeegeeing and developing machine, which is constructed and arranged for rotatably supporting an intaglio or rotogravure form cylinder, the machine including a pressure or squeegee roller mounted for operable engagement with the form cylinder and operably supported for positional adjustment to accommodate cylinders of different diameters and to engage each cylinder in predetermined positional relationship.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a marking, squeegeeing and developing machine, for intaglio or rotogravure printing cylinders, of generally improved construction, whereby the device will be simple, durable and inexpensive in construction, as well as convenient, practicable, serviceable, and efficient in its use.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that various changes in form, proportion, and minor details of construction may be made Within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any advantages of the invention.

For a complete disclosure of the invention, a detailed description of an improved marking, squeegeeing and developing machine for rotogravure or photogravure form cylinders will now be given in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a combined marking, squeegeeing and developing machine hav ing a photogravure printing cylinder rotatably mounted therein;

Figure 2 is a similar view but showing componentsof the machine in a different phase of operation;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the machine, parts being broken away and parts appearing in elevation;

Figure 4 is a plan view, parts appearing in section;

Figure 5 is a vertical detailed sectional view taken through the locking and releasing members of the cylinder bearing yoke;

Figure 6 is a horizontal detailed sectional view taken on the line 68 of Figure 5, showing the components in looking position;

Figure '7 is a similar View, but showing the components in unlocked or release position;

Figure 8 is a fragmental plan view depicting the quick locking and releasing device for securing the hinged yoke member to the machine frame;

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view taken through the reversible fountain or tray unit;

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the reversible fountain or tray unit; a

Figure 11 is a detailed fragmental longitudinal sectional view taken on the line I l-l I of Figure 9 and depicting the supporting and positional securing components for the fountain or tray unit;

Figure 12 is an enlarged longitudinalsectional view depicting the index or cylinder drive wheel locking arrangement;

: Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional View taken through the clamping sleeve of the index wheel locking device;

Figure 14 is an end view thereof, and

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic view depicting the cooperative relationship between the pressure or squeegee roller and the form cylinder, the offset position of the squeegee roller relative to the form cylinder being somewhat exaggerated to better illustrate the invention.

Referring to the drawings, in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts, there is depicted an improved marking, squeegeeing and developing machine for intaglio rotogravure or photogravure form cylinders, and the machine includes marking and registering mechanism of the type disclosed in Patent No. 1,832,255, granted November 17, 1931, to J. F. Springstead, and in the Gustav A. Friess, Patent No. 2,074,218, granted March 16, 1937, except that the marking mechanism herein disclosed incorporates improvements which will 'be hereinafter described. This machine includes a frame 12 supported on a base 13 which is provided with a drain basin or receptacle 14 having a bottom l5 which slants toward a drain outlet opening 46. The frame is provided with spaced supporting rails I! and a superstructure l8 including spaced supporting uprights or frame members I9. The lower spaced portions of the slide members of the superstructure 19 are mounted on the spaced supporting rails 11, and each side member of the superstructure includes a fixed arcuate yoke member 20 having a movable arcuate yoke member 2| hinged thereto, as indicated at 22, and the lower portion of each movable hinged yoke member 2| is secured to the rail 17 by a quick locking and releasing mechanism 23, which will be explained in detail hereinafter.

Each composite bearing yoke 20-21 is arranged to receive therein antifriction'bearings 24 carried by the shaft 26 of an intaglio or rotogravure cylinder 21, the antifriction bearings 24 being retained in predetermined spaced relation on the shaft 26 by suitable spacers 28. When the antifriction bearings 24 which are carried by the cylinder shaft 26 are received within the yokes ,20-2| the cylinder is then mounted for rotation in the machine frame, for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. In conformity with the usual practice, an arm 30 is secured to the machine frame l2, as best seen in Figure 3, and, this am has a manually operable screw 31 threaded therein in axial alinement with the cylinder shaft 26 in order to engage the shaft and force the shoulder 25 of one of the antifriction bearing annular supports 25 against the inner ring of the antifriction bearing to thereby hold the cylinder 21 in predetermined axial position in the machine frame, the screw 3| being locked in fixed position by a manually operable lock or jamb nut 32. This structure and its function are well understood by those skilled in the art and is disclosed in detail in the Springstead Patent No. 1,832,255.

As best shown in Figures 3 and 12 the shaft 26 of the intaglio, rotogravure or photogravure form cylinder 21 has an axially extending reduced portion 33 provided to receive thereon a clamping sleeve 34 having axial slots 35 extending inwardly from each terminal thereof. The inner terminal of the sleeve is provided with an enlarged annular beveled or frusto conical head 36, and the opposed terminal of the sleeve 34 is externally threaded, as indicated at 31, for the reception of the threaded portion 38 of an annular clamping nut 40. The bore of the clamping sleeve 34 is provided with a featherway 4| for the reception of a key or feather 42 which is also received in a featherway formed in the reduced portion 33 of the cylinder shaft 26 to thereby hold the clamping sleeve 34 in predetermined angular position relative to the shaft 26 and its cylinder 21. An index or cylinder drive wheel 43 is provided, and this wheel includes a rim portion 45 supported by a hub 46 through interposed spokes 41. The hub 46 is in the form of a short cylinder having the inner portion of its opposed terminals beveled to provide frusto conical surfaces 48. The cylindrical hub 46 has its inner surface or bore dimensioned to be received or mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the clamping sleeve 34, and the frusto conical surface 48 formed at one terminal of the hub 46 engages the frusto conical head 36 of the sleeve 34, and the frusto conical surface 48 formed at the opposed terminal of the index wheel hub 46 is engaged by the outer surface of a frustoconical clamping wedge or ring 56 which is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the clamping sleeve 34 and positioned to be engaged by the clamping nut 46. As best shown in Figure 3, a bracket 5|is secured to the machine frame |2 at the side of the machine which is remote from the arm 36, and the upper terminal of the bracket has a cylindrical stud 52 rigidly secured thereto, as indicated at 53. The stud 52 is positioned adjacent to and in axial alinement with the cylinder shaft 26 when the shaft 26 is operably positioned in the machine frame. When the index or cylinder drive wheel assembly is not in use on the cylinder shaft it is supported on the stud 52. in conformity with the usual practice.

When it is desired to secure the index wheel assembly to the cylinder shaft 26, the featherway 4| of the clamping sleeve 34 is positioned in correct angular relation to aline with the feather or key 42, and then the assembly is slid axially from the stud 52 onto the reduced portion 33 of the cylinder shaft 26. After the index wheel assembly has been positioned on the reduced portion 33 of the cylinder shaft 26, a lever or wrench bar 55 is positioned in one of the radial wrench receiving openings 56 formed around the peripheral portion of the clamping nut 46. The clamping nut 46 is then screwed towards the frustoconical head 36 of the clamping sleeve 34, thereby causing the frustoconical clamping wedge 56 to engage the outer frustoconical surface 48 of the index wheel hub 46, and the frustoco-nical head 36 to engage the opposed or inner frustoconical surface 48 of the hub 46. Continued angular movement of the clamping nut 46 on its receiving threads 31 forces the opposed slotted terminals of the yieldable clamping sleeve 34 to locking engagement with the reduced portion 33 of the cylinder shaft 26, thereby securely locking the index wheel 43 to the cylinder shaft 26. The rim portion 45 of the index wheel is provided with a plurality of index apertures 51 positioned in predetermined angular relation therearound for a purpose which will be hereinafter explained.

In order to inscribe suitable register marks on the peripheral surface of the printing cylinder 21, a rail 58 is supported by the machine frame and extends longitudinally thereof and parallel with the axes of the printing cylinder 21. This rail slidably supports a marker head or slide 66, which, in turn, supports a marker holder 6| having its outer terminal radially offset at 62, and the outer terminal of the offset portion 62 has a suitable marking tool 63 secured thereto. The

holder 6| is arranged to be turned through an angle of so that in the position indicated in Figure 1 of the drawings, the marking tool 63 is located below a horizontal. plane passing through the axes of the form cylinder 21, and, when the holder is turned 90 from this position, the marking head 63 is placed back of or in trailing relation to the axes of the holder 6|, for reasons to be hereinafter disclosed. Otherwise, the marker head or holder arrangement is similar in construction and operation to the marking device disclosed in the Springstead Pat ent No. 1,832,255 and the Friess Patent No. 2,074,218. The marker head or slide 66 is held in predetermined position along the rail 58 by a spring-pressed register pin or plunger 65 which is constructed and arranged in themanner disclosed in the above identified patents, so that its lower terminalwill snap into engagement with the selected locating aperture 66 formed in the rail 56. By this arrangement'the marking tool 63 of the holder 6| may engage any selected point axially along the cylinder surface.

To inscribe circumferential marks around the peripheral surface of the cylinder, in conformity with the usual practice, the holder 6| is turned to vertical trailing position, best shown in Figure l, and the marker head 66 is located in selected axial position along the cylinder by the engagement of the pin 65 with the selectedaperture 66, as hereinbefore disclosed. Then the index wheel assembly is moved from the supporting stud 52 onto the reduced portion 33 of the cylinder shaft 26. In this position the clamping nut 46 is turned thereby securely clamping the index wheel to the cylinder shaft, as hereinbefore disclosed. This wheel may now be turned by hand in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 1 and 2, thus causing the marking tool 63 of the holder 6! to inscribe circumferential marks on the peripheral surface of the cylinder.

When it is desired to inscribe axial marks on the peripheral surface of the cylinder 21, a register pin or plunger of construction and arrangement similar to the pin 65, is supported by a bracket 61 which extends from the machine frame l2, and this pin engages the selected aperture 45 to thuslock the index wheel 43 and cylinder 21 in predetermined angular position, as disclosed in the above identified patent. The marker head 66 is then slid along the rail 58, with the marking tool 63 positioned to trail the axis of the holder 6| and in marking engagement with the peripheral surface of the cylinder 21, thus causing the tool 63 to accurately ina:

scribe axial registermarks on the cylinder surface; in conformity with the conventional practice.

It has beenfound that in the operation of marking devices in which the stylus is positioned radially with respect to the cylinder surface and in alinement with its supporting component, that there is a tendency of the marking tool or stylus to vibrate or chatter during its operation. By offsetting the marking tool 63 relative to the axes of the holder 6|, the marking tool 63 trails the holder axis. when inscribing axially-extending lines along the peripheral surface of the cylinder 21, thus preventing chatter or vibrating action,

so that a uniform line is accurately inscribed. 3

it so that themarking tool 63 is positioned be low the axes of the engaged cylinder, then the axis of the marking tool is positioned at an angle to the cylinder periphery, and when the cylinder is rotated clockwise the marking tool 63 circumferentially trails the axes of the holder 6|, thus preventing vibratory action or chattering of the marking tool while circumferential register or locating marks are being inscribed on the peripheral surface of the cylinder 21.

In order to secure the usual sensitized backed carbon tissue upon the peripheral surface of the cylinder 21, a pressure or squeegee roller 68 is provided to operably cooperate with the cylinder. The opposed terminals of the supporting shaft I0 of the roller 68 are rotatably mounted in bearings 1| formed at the outer terminal of arm sections I2. Each arm section I2 is slidably or adjustably secured to an arm I3 by bolts or other securing members which extend through apertures formed in the arm sections I2 and through longitudinal slots I6 formed in the arms I3. An arm I3 is pivotally secured at each side of the machine frame by keying its inner terminal to a stub shaft TI, as indicated at 18, in Figure 3, and each stub shaft is journaled in a bearing 80 formed in the uprights I9 of the frame superstructure. The arms I3 are preferably located at the inner sides of the uprights I9, and each stub shaft 'I'I extends through the bearing 80 and is keyed at its outer terminal to a short arm 8|, as indicated at 82, thus causing the arms 13, stub shafts TI and short arms BI to turn or move in unison. The outer terminal of each short arm 8| is bifurcated, as indicated at 83, to receive the lower terminal of a link 85, and this terminal of the link 85 is slotted, as indicated at 86, to receive a pin 8! which extends through this slot and the furcations of the short arm 8|. Each link 85 is provided with a turn buckle 81, so that its length may be adjusted, and the upper terminal 88 of each link 85 is pivotally secured to the bifurcated terminal 90 of a lever 9I. Each lever 9| is fulcrumed to the machine frame by securing the lever to a stub shaft 93 by a key or other suitable securing device 94, and the stub shaft 93 extends through a bearing 95 formed in an upright I9 of the machine frame. The inner terminals of each stub shaft 93 is keyed or otherwise rigidly secured to a short bifurcated arm 96, as indicated at 91, and the upper terminal of each link 98 is pivotally secured to each arm 86, as indicated at I00. Each link 98 extends downwardly from the arm 96, and has its lower terminal pivotally secured to a short lever I M, as indicated at I02 (Figure 1), and a suitable turn buckle 99 is carried by the link 98 in order that the length of the link may be adjusted. The upper terminal of each lever IOI is keyed or otherwise secured to a shaft I03 which extends transversely across the machine and is mounted for rocking movement in bearings I05 formed in the machine frame I2, best shown in Figure 3, so that the levers IOI and the shaft I03 rock or oscillate in unison. A link I96 (Figure 1) is pivotally secured to each lever IOI intermediate the terminal of the lever IOI, as indicated at I01, and the opposed terminal of each link I06 is offset, as indicated at I08, and the offset terminal I08 is pivotally secured to an arm I I0, as indicated at III. Each arm H0 is rigidly secured to and carried by a shaft II2 which extends transversely across the machine and has its opposed terminals mounted for rocking movement in bearings II3, best shown in Figure 3 of the drawing. Spaced treadle arms H4 are keyed or otherwise rigidly secured to a shaft H2, and these treadle arms II4 have a treadle bar II 5 keyed or otherwise rigidly secured thereto, so that the treadle bar H5, treadle arms II4, shaft H2 and arms IIO oscillate or rock in unison. In order to limit the downward movement of the treadle bar about its fulcrum shaft II 2, stop members I I6 are positioned in the path of travel of the treadle bar II5, so that when the bar II5 engages the arcuate upper terminal III of each stop member I IS, the downward movement of the bar I I5 about the axis of its fulcrum shaft I I2 is thereby stopped, for reasons to be hereinafter explained. Each lever 9I has a counter weight II8 slidably mounted for adjustment thereon, and each weight H8 is held in predetermined position on the lever 9| by a screw or other suitable locking device I20. In order to manually move the pressure or squeegee roller 68, arms I2I extend from the arm sections I2 outwardly beyond the periphery of the roller 68, and these arms rigidly support a manipulating bar I22 which extends transversely across the machine between the uprights I8 to afford a ready gripping bar for the operator when he desires to move the squeegee roller by hand, as will be explained more in detail hereinafter.

During phases of the operation of the machine, it is desirable to conveniently develop the image producing portion of the form cylinder surface and to also etch the surface, as will be more fully explained hereinafter, and to this end a composite reversible fountain or tray structure I23 is provided. This'fountain or tray structure is of rectangular configuration and includes side walls I25 and end walls I26. Interposed between the side walls I 25 and the end walls I is a partition I2? which is disposed at an angle with relation to the side walls I and also at a lesser angle with relation to the end walls I25, so that the partition I2! forms a common angularlydisposed bottom which slants in two directions to define and separate opposed fountain receptacles or trays I24. An outlet orifice I28 is formed at a corner of each fountain or tray at the lowest portion of the bottom of each fountain when in upright position, and an outlet tube I30 leads from each orifice I 28 through the adjacent receptacle, as best seen in Figures 1 and 9. The reversible fountain unit or structure is formed in any suitable manner, such as casting, or, preferably by welding its components together, as indicated in Figure 9. In order that a suitable acid or etching material may be retained in the fountains or trays, each fountain receptacle or tray I 24 is lined throughout with rubber or other acid resisting material I29, and the rubber lining I29 is so formed as to present a relatively heavy fillet of large radius at each corner or sharp angle portion within each fountain or receptacle. The inner portion of each outlet tube is also rubber lined, as indicated at I3I, and the terminal of the tube lining I3I which is positioned immediately adjacent the outlet orifice 28 of each fountain is beveled to define a frusto conical stopper seat I92, and the marginal edge of the fountain or tray walls are protected by extending the rubber lining I29 over these edges and partly over the outer surface of the side and end walls I25 and I26, as indicated at I29. The fluid is held in the uppermost fountain receptacle or tray by a cylindrical overflow or stopper tube I33 which has its lower outer portion beveled to define a frusto conical surface I34 which is shaped and dimensioned to accurately engage the frusto conical stopper seat I32. When the overflow or stopper tube I33 is positioned in handle the stopper seat I32 of the uppermost fountain receptacle, the upper terminal of the stopper tube I33 extends toa point adjacent the top of the fountain, so that the level of the fluid within the uppermost fountain cannot rise above the top of the inserted stopper tube I33. After the stopper tube I33 has served its purpose as-a stopper, it may be removed from the seat I32, thus permitting the fluid to flow downwardly from the uppermost fountain receptacle through the seat I32 and the rubber lined tube I30. Each end wall I26 of the double or composite fountain structure has an inwardly extending enlargement or boss I35 formed on or secured thereto, and each boss is provided with a bore oraperture I36 for the reception of a trunnion or bearing pintle I31. The aperture-I36and trunnion I31 located atone end of the fountain is positioned to axially aline with the trunnion I31 located at the opposed end of the fountain, so that each trunnion may be rotatably received in a bearing aperture I38 formed in a bearing block I40. Each bearing block I40 is mounted for vertical sliding movement between slide members or ways I4I carried by the machine frame I 5. By this arrangement the double fountain unit I23 is mounted for vertical sliding movement along the slide and guide ways MI, and for rotary movement about the axes of its trunnions I31. One of the sliding bearing blocks I46 is provided with a manually operable screw pin I42 which is threaded to the block I40 in a' position so that the terminal of the screw pin I42 engages one of diametrically opposed apertures I43 formed in the enlargement I35 carried by the end wall I26 of the fountain, to thereby lock the selected fountain receptacle in uppermost position.

In order to raise and lower the fountain unit I23 to permit the reversal of the fountains, a lever I46 is provided having a manipulating handle I41, and this lever is keyed or otherwise rigidly secured'to a shaft I48 which extends transversely across the machine and is mounted for rotation in bearings I50 carried by the side members of the machine frame I2. The shaft I48 also has an arm I5I keyed or otherwise secured thereto, and the lever I46 and arm 'I5I are pivotally secured to the lower terminals of links I52, as indicated at I53, and the upper terminal of each link I52 is pivotally secured to a bearing block I40, as indicated'at I54. Each outer terminal of the shaft I48 has an arcuate arm I55 keyed or otherwise rigidly secured thereto, and the lower terminal of each arm I55 is bifurcated to pivotally receive a terminal of a helical spring I56, as indicated at I51. The opposed terminal of each spring I56 is pivotally secured to an adjusting head I58 having a threaded stem I60 extending therefrom which extends through an aperture I6I formed in a bracket 562 secured to the machine frame I5, and this stem I60 is secured in adjusted position to the bracket by means of adjusting and locking nuts I63.

By this arrangement, when the manipulating I41 of the manipulating lever I46 is moved upwardly or downwardly, the lever I46, shaft I48, lever I5I, links I52, slide bearing blocks I40, and reversible fountain unit I23 all move upwardly or downwardly in unison, and after the springs I56 have been adjusted to exert sufficient tension to counter balance the weight of the reversible fountain unit I23 and its operating component, the entire assembly operates in'balanced condition Aswill be hereinafter 'disclosed, the uppermost fountain or-tray is'to be positioned adjacent the peripheral portion ofthe form cylinder 21, and in order that the fountain may be correctly positioned relative to the peripheral surfaces of cylinders, of different diameters, a plurality of apertures :I6I are formed in a bracket or boss I62 carried by aside member of the machine frame I2 for the reception of a securing locking pin I63 which extends through'the lever I46, thereby securely locking the lever I46 to the machine frame.

In conformity with the 'usual practice in machines of this character, a hood I66 is supp rted at the upper portion of the machine frame above system to exhaust acid fumes, but, inasmuch 'asv this arrangement is well understood by those skilled-in the art no further description-of it'will here be given.

In order to secure each movable hinged yoke member 2| to a rail I1, a quick locking device 23 is providedfor each movable hinged member. Each quick locking device (Figure 5) includes 'a' cylindrical bolt I65 which extends through'a cylindrical aperture I-66 and an enlarged axiallyalined-cylindrical recess I66 formed in a clamping foot 2| extending from the lower terminal of each hinged yoke member 2 I. The upper terminal of each bolt I65 is secured to a' cylindrical head or hub I61 by a pin or'stud I68 that extends through the head I-61, bolt-I65 and the inner terminal of a handle I10 which is received in a slot I1I extending transversely through the header hub I61, and also in a slot I-12 extending transversely through the upperport'ion of the bolt I65, thereby securing the bolt I66, head I61, handle I10 together to move in unison. Each head or hub ,l61is rotatably receivedin a circular aperture I13 formed in the upper face of the clamping foot or extension 2-I-of the hinged yoke-member 2 I The lower terminal'of the bolt I65 is enlarged'and threaded, as indicated at I15, and this enlarged threaded portion=l15 has'its opposed sides cut away (Figures 6 and 7-) as indicated at I16, to 'thus define an enlarged rectangular threaded bolt terminal for locking engagement with a cylindrical locking nut I11. Each cylindrical locking nut I11 is provided with axially extending internal threads I18, and diametrically opposed-grooves or recesses I inter-J rupt the internal threads I18 to 'definea rectangular aperture for the reception of the rectan gular threaded "locking terminal of the bolt I65 during a phase of "the operation 'of this. bjolt. Each cylindrical nut -I'11 is secured in the rail portion I1 of the machine frame I2 by a threaded bolt or screw 'I'8'I which is 'threadedly received in the lower terminal of the locking nut I 11, therev by rigidly securing the nut I11 in the rail portion I1 of the machine frame I2, and if desired a key or feather may be inserted between the nut I11 and the machine frame I2 to further hold the nut against turning in its seat aperture. Arecess'or bore 182 is formed ineach hubor'head I61 around the bolt I65 for'the reception of a helical spring I03. The upper terminal of this spring engages the hub or head I61 and its lower terminal engages the face of the circular aperture I13 formed in the locking foot or extension 2'I' of the movable yoke member 2|. I v

'After the antifrictionbearing members 24 car ried by the shaft 26' of the cylinder 21 are accua rately positioned in the *fixed yoke members '20, the hinged yoke 'members 2'I are closed around the bearings. Each bolt is then-thrust inwardly so that its rectangular lockingterminal I15 is received .Within the rectangular aperture of the nut I11. Then each handle I18 is manipulated to turn the bolt I65 through an angle of 90, that the threads I16 of the locking bolt I engages the threads I18 of the locking nut I11 to securely lock the foot or extension 2| of the movable yoke member 2I to the rail I1 of the machine frame I2. In this position, the spring I83 is compressed to thereby exert tension against the hub or head to securely hold the locking components in locked position. To unlock the foot of the movable yoke members 2I from the machine frame I2, the bolt I65 is merely given a quarter turn, thus moving the threads I16 of the bolt I85 from engagement with the threads I18 of the nut I11.

"Inoperation, after the cylinder shaft 26 has been clamped in the yokes 20-2I, the cylinder may be freely rotated on its antifriction bearing 24. The peripheral surface of the cylinder may then be inscribed with suitable longitudinal and circumferential register or locating marks which register with suitable marks formed on the marginal portion of the usual carbon tissue to indicate the accurate location of the tissue on the cylinder surface.

In applying the backed sensitized carbon tissue S to the peripheral surface of the form cylinder 21, the squeegee or pressure roller 68 is brought into engagement with the backed carbon tissue positioned on the peripheral surface of the cylinder 21 in conformity with the usual practice, as disclosed in the hereinbefore identified Friess patent. In order to lower the pressure or squeegee roller 68 from the position indicated in Figure 1 to operable engagement with the tissue positioned on the peripheral surface of the form cylinder 21, the treadle bar H5 is pushed downwardly by thefoot of the operator until it engages the arcuate stop surface II1. During the downward movement of the treadle bar H5, the outer terminals of the arms I I0 move downwardly and outwardly, thereby pulling outwardly on the links I06, which, in turn, rock the levers IIlI about their fulcrum shaft I03 to pull downwardly on the links 98 to thus lower the squeegee roller 68, as hereinbefore disclosed. After the squeegee roller 68 has been lowered to engagement with the carbon tissue on the peripheral surface of the form cylinder 21, continued downward movement of the treadle bar I I 5 causes the lower terminals of the slots 86 formed in the lower terminals of the links 85 to move from engagement with the pivot pin 81, thus operably disconnecting the squeegee roller 68 and its supporting mechanism from the counterbalancing effect of the weights IIB, so that the full weight of the roller 68 is exerted against the peripheral surface of the cylinder 21 or the tissue thereon, to thus aid in securing the tissue to the surface of the cylinder in conformity with the usual practice well understood by those skilled in the art. When the treadle bar I I 5 is approaching its lowermost position, the outerterminals of the links I06 move downwardly past a plane extending through the link pivots I01 and the arm fulcrums I I2, to thus hold the components which are operated by the treadle bar H5 in their lowermost position with the full weight of the squeegee roller resting upon the tissue positioned on the peripheral surface of the form cylinder 21. If desired, this toggle action may be employed to impart downward stress to the squeegee roller in addition to the normal gravitational force.

The length of the slots 86 may be so propor tioned and the turn buckles so adjusted that as the toggle arms I I0 approach the center position, hereinbefore defined, the top of the slots 86 will engage the pins 81 thus pressing down on the short arms 8I thereby imparting downward stress to the squeegee roller 68 through the interposed mechanism hereinbefore disclosed. To facilitate the movement of the squeegee or pressure roller 68, a handle bar I22 carried in the outer terminals of the arms I2I is provided, whereby the roller may be delicately lowered into engagement with the cylinder.

In applying the backed sensitized carbon tissue to the peripheral surface of the form roller 21 it is desirable, in conformity with the usual practice, to wet the surface of the sensitized tissue which is positioned towards the cylinder 21 without wetting its supporting backing. As disclosed in the hereinbefore identified Friess patent, the backed tissue sheet S is secured to the cylinder surfaces by a securing tab or tape, as indicated in Figure 15, and the tissue sheet is placed over the squeegee roller 68 with the greater portion of it being suspended from the roller. As shown in Figure 15, the roller 68is positioned to engage the backed tissue which is supported by the surface of the cylinder 21 at a point to one side of a vertical line passing through the axis of the form cylinder 21. Water is then supplied through a hose or other convenient conveying instrumentality to the valley or trough V which is formed by the peripheral surface of the cylinder 21 and the sensitized surface of the tissue sheet which is supported on the squeegee roller 68. As the roller rotates clockwise, as viewed in Figure 15, the supplied water is retained in the valley V and pushed ahead of the squeegee roller, thus thoroughly wetting the inner face of the tissue and form cylinder surface so that the tissue may be secured to the cylinder surface. It will be understood that by adjustment of the arms 13, the amount of water held between the roller 68 and the cylinder may be varied as desired.

After the sensitized carbon tissue has been accurately positioned on the cylinder surface in conformity with the usual practice, as disclosed in the hereinbefore identified Friess patent, the

supporting back of the carbon tissue is then removed leaving the sensitized tissue on the peripheral surface of the form cylinder 21. Assuming that the manipulation handle I41 of the lever I46 is secured in its uppermost position with one of the trays or fountains positioned and secured immediately below the cylinder 21, a suitable quantity of developing fluid is then placed in the tray or fountain. The cylinder 21 is then rotated in the developing fluid through the instrumentality of a motor drive which preferably engages the rim 5 of the index wheel in the manner disclosed in the hereinbefore identified Friess patent. Inasmuch as the motor drive does not form a part of this invention and has been disclosed in the Friess patent, and is well understood by those skilled in the art, the drive is not illustrated in this application. After the developing operation, the uppermost tray or fountain receptacle is drained by removing the overflow and stopper plug or tube I33. This developing fluid may be discharged into the basin I4 formed in the base I3 of the machine and fromthere conveyed to any suitable destination in the draining system, in conformity with the usual practice, or, if preferred, this fluid may be 001-,

lected in a receptacle placed below the fountain outlet. The uppermost fountain tray or receptacle is then preferably washed and drained preparatory to the employment of the etching fluid;

After the uppermost fountain receptacle has been washed and drained, the fountain unit 123 is lowered by, first, removing the manipulating handle securing pin orscrew H53, and, then, moving the lever E46 downwardly to the position indicated in Figure 2. The downward movement of the lever MB causes the fountain unit R3 to move downwardly, as hereinbefore disclosed, and then the fountain unit is rotated to move the lowermost fountain to the upper position. The 15 lever M5 is thenreturned to its original position, as "indicated in Figure 1, thus positioning the then uppermost fountain receptacle or traylimmediately below and partly around the peripheral surface of the form cylinder 27. acid-containing etching fluid is then flowed. over the cylinder and is caught in the fountain tray or receptacle, the overflow or stopper tube I33 having been reinserted to prevent the escapeof the etching fluid. After the etching operation, the stopper tube I33 is removed and the etching fluid is then drained into a container placed below the drain outlet, so that this fluid may be preserved for future use. I

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respect as illustrative and not restrictive, and it will be further understood that each and every novel feature and combination present in or possessed by the mechanism herein disclosed forms a part of the invention included in this application.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and useful is:

1. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder which is operably rotatable to move its peripheral surface in a given direction, the said cylinder having liquid supplied thereunto, and a roller positioned to engage the upper peripheral portion of the cylinder at a point located at the side of a vertical plane passing through the axis of the cylinder towards which the upper portion of the cylinder periphery is moving to thereby form a fluid-holding valley between the cylinder and the roller.

2. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder which is operably rotatable to move its peripheral surface in a given direction, the said cylinder having liquid supplied thereinto,' a roller mounted to coact with the printing cylinder to engage a sensitized tissue positioned on the peripheral surface of the cylinder, the roller engaging the tissue at a point located at the side of a vertical plane passing through the axis of the cylinder towards which the upper portion of the cylinder periphery is moving to define a fluidholding valley between the highest portion of the cylinder and the portion of the tissue which is supported by the side of the roller.

3. In a. device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder which is operably rotatable to move its peripheral surface in a given direction, the said cylinder having liquid supplied thereunto, a roller mounted to coact with the printing cylinder, the roller being adjustably mounted to engage the upper peripheral portion of the cylinder at determined A suitable points located at the side of a vertical plane passing through the axis of the cylinder towards which the upper portion of the cylinder periphery is moving to thereby form a fluid-holding valley between the cylinder and the roller.

4. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder which is operably rotatable to move its peripheral surface in a given direction, the said cylinder having liquid supplied thereunto, a roller rotatably supported by spaced pivotally mounted arms and the length of the arms being adjustable to operably position the roller to engage the upper portion of the cylinder surface at different points located at the side of a vertical plane which passes through the axis of the cylinder towards which the upper portion of the cylinder periphery is moving to thereby form a fluid-holding valley between the cylinder and the roller.

5. In a device of of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder, a roller mounted to coact with the printing cyl-' inder, means for moving the roller to and from engagement with the printing cylinder, means normally operably connected with the roller moving means to counterbalance the roller in its movement to and from the printing cylinder, and means for automatically disconnecting the counterbalancing means from the roller moving means when the roller engages the cylinder.

6. In a device of the classdescribed, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder, a roller mounted to coact with the printing cylinder, means for moving the roller to and from engagement with the printing cylinder, means normally operably connected with the roller moving means to counterbalance the roller in its movement to and from the printing cylinder, and means operably connected with the roller moving means for imparting additional stress to the roller to be exerted against the cylinder surface.

'7. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder, a roller mounted to coact with the printing cylinder, means for moving the roller to and from engagement with the printing cylinder, means normally operably connected with the roller moving means to counterbalance the roller in its movement to and from the printing cylinder,

means for automatically disconnecting the counterbalancing means from the roller moving means when the roller engages the cylinder, and means operably connected with the roller moving means for imparting additional stress to the roller to be exerted against the cylinder surface.

8. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder, a roller mounted tocoact with the printing cylinder, means for supporting the roller for movement to and from the printing cylinder, a foot-operable treadle movable through a predetermined path of travel, counterbalancing means, means for operably connecting the counterbalancing means, roller supporting means and said foot treadle whereby movement of the foot treadle moves the roller to and from engagement with the printing cylinder, the counterbalancing means counterbalances the roller during its movement to and from the printing cylinder, and means whereby the counterbalancing means is rendered inoperative when the roller engages the printing cylinder.

9. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder, a roller mounted to coact with the printing cylinder, means for supporting the roller for movement to and from the printing cylinder, a foot operable treadle movable through a predetermined path of travel, a stop member to limit the downward movement of the said foot treadle, counterbalancing means, and means for operably connecting the counterbalancing means, roller supporting means and foot treadle whereby movement of the foot treadle moves the roller to and from engagement with the printing cylinder, the counterbalancing means counterbalances the roller during its movement to and from the printing cylinder, and the foot treadle and said connecting means cooperating to impart additional Stress to the roller which is exerted against the surface of the cylinder when the foot treadle is in engagement with the stop member.

10. In a device of the class described, a frame for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder, a marker head slidable parallel to the axis of the printing cylinder, a stylus rotatably supported by the printing cylinder, a marking tool supported in offset relation to the axis of the stylus and adapted to engage the surface of the print ing cylinder in trailing relation to the axis of the stylus when the marking head is moved relative to the cylinder and when the cylinder is moved relative to the marking head.

11. In a device of the class described, a frame for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder, a marker head slidable parallel to the axis of the printing cylinder, a stylus rotatably supported by the printing cylinder, a marking tool supported to offset relation to the axis of the stylus and adapted to engage the surface of the printing cylinder in trailing relation to the axis of the stylus when the marking head is moved axially relative to the cylinder, means for turning the stylus through an angle of 90 to position the marking tool in trailing relation to the axis of the stylus circumferentially of the cylinder to thereby position the marking tool to one side of a horizontal plane passing through the axis of the cylinder and in angular relation to the peripheral surface of the printing cylinder.

12. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder and its supporting shaft, an index wheel having a hub portion, a clamping sleeve adapted to be mounted on the cylinder shaft, and means for simultaneously clamping the hub portion of the index wheel to the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve to the cylinder shaft to thereby operably secure the index wheel to the shaft in any selected angular position.

13. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder and its supporting shaft, an index wheel having a hub portion, a yieldable clamping sleeve adapted to be mounted against rotation on the cylinder shaft, and means supported by the clamping sleeve for movement relative thereto to simultaneously clamp the hub portion of the index Wheel to the clamping sleeve and. the clamping sleeve to the cylinder shaft thereby rigidly securing the index wheel to the cylinder shaft in any selected angular position.

14. In a device of the class described, a printing cylinder, a supporting shaft for the printing cylinder, a reduced portion extending from the cylinder shaft, a slotted yieldable clamping sleeve adapted to be received on the reduced portion of the cylinder shaft, an enlarged frusto-conical head formed at one terminal of the clamping sleeve, means for securing the clamping sleeve against rotation relative to the cylinder shaft, a clamping nut threadedly secured to the locking sleeve, a frusto-conical clamping wedge movably supported on the clamping sleeve and in engagement with the clamping nut, an index wheel, a cylindrical hub for the index wheel having frustoconical terminal seats, and means for turning the clamping nut relative to the clamping sleeve thereby forcing the clamping wedge into engagement with the clamping seat formed at one terminal of the index wheel hub and to force the frusto-conical head into engagement with the frusto-conical seat formed at the opposed terminal of the index wheel hub thereby locking the clamping sleeve to the reduced portion of the cylinder shaft and the hub to the clamping sleeve to rigidly secure the index wheel to the cylinder shaft for rotation therewith.

15. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder which is operably rotatable to move its peripheral surface in a given direction, the said cylinder having liquid supplied thereunto, a roller positioned to engage the upper peripheral portion of the cylinder at a point located at the side of a vertical plane passing through the axis of the cylinder towards which the upper portion of the cylinder periphery is moving to thereby form a fluidholding valley between the cylinder and the roller, and a fountain unit having a plurality of fountain receptacles mounted for positional reversal below the cylinder whereby the selected fountain receptacle may be moved to a predetermined cooperable position relative to the cylinder.

16. In a device of the class described, means for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder, which is operably rotatable to move its peripheral surface in a given direction, the said cylinder having liquid supplied thereonto, a roller mounted to coact with the printing cylinder to engage a sensitized tissue positioned on the peripheral surface of the cylinder, the roller engaging the tissue at a point located at the side of a vertical plane passing through the axis of the cylinder towards which the upper portion of the cylinder periphery is moving to thereby form a fluid-holding valley between the highest portion of the cylinder and the portion of the tissue which is supported by the side of the roller, and a fountain unit having a plurality of fountain receptacles mounted for positional reversal below the cylinder whereby the selected fountain receptacle may be moved to a predetermined cooperable position relative to the cylinder to permit the fountain contents to engage the cylinder periphery.

WILLIAM F. HUCK. 

